February 28, 2025 - On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $3.2 million Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant to the Merced City and County Continuum of Care (CoC) to support individuals transitioning from encampments within the City of Atwater into stable housing.

The funding will provide a range of critical services to assist individuals currently living in encampments, including outreach and engagement, interim housing, housing navigation services and rental assistance. These services will be implemented in coordination with the City of Atwater to ensure a seamless, community-driven response to homelessness within their community.

"This investment in the City of Atwater is a crucial step toward tackling homelessness in our County," said Josh Pedrozo, Chair of the Merced County Board of Supervisors, and the Board’s representative on the CoC. “We are committed to working closely with the City of Atwater and our local partners to ensure that services are delivered effectively."

"This funding is a significant step forward in our efforts to address homelessness," said District 3 Supervisor Daron McDaniel, whose district includes the City of Atwater. "By working together with community partners, we can create lasting solutions and improve the quality of life for all residents in Atwater and beyond." 

The funding will support services through June 30, 2027, focusing on ensuring sustainable housing solutions. The County’s Merced Human Services Agency, as the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designated Collaborative Applicant, will provide administrative support to the CoC as part of this effort.

Source: Merced County